Our goal is to give you the most up-to-date, accurate information about your state DMV's processes. The date you see here reflects the most recent time we've verified this information with your state DMV. When they change something, we do, too!

In Maine, you must apply for your first driver's license with the
Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV). As a teen driver, you are required to complete all steps of the graduated driver licensing (GDL) system, which has been put in place to ensure you are properly prepared to be behind the wheel.

New to Maine?

If you have recently moved to Maine and currently hold an out-of-state driver's license, you must transfer it within 30 days of becoming a resident. You must be at least
16 years old, and you may be required to show proof that you completed an approved driver's education course.

Maine Learner's Permit

To apply for a ME instruction permit, you must be at least
15 years old and have successfully completed a BMV-approved Driver's Ed course. You must visit your local Maine BMV office location and pass the:

After completing the driver's education course, your course provider will usually
submit all of the necessary paperwork for you to the Maine BMV. All you need to do is wait for your Maine instruction permit to arrive in the mail.

Intermediate Driver License Restrictions

Drive with passengers other than your immediate family members, UNLESS you have someone with you who:

Is at least 20 years old.

Has held a valid driver's license for 2 years or more.

NOTE: This passenger must be seated in the front passenger seat.

To move on to the next stage of the graduated licensing process and obtain your unrestricted Maine driver's license, you
must hold your intermediate license for 270 days.

During this time, you must not violate any of the restrictions listed above. If you do, you must wait an additional 270 days from the date of your violation. Your provisional license will also be
suspended.

Full Unrestricted ME Driver License

Once you've held your intermediate Maine driver's license for 270 days without violating any restrictions, you can apply for your
full unrestricted new driver's license.